TÜV SÜD: PFAS testing – the key to regulatory compliance and sustainability

PFAS encompass a total of around 15,000 substances, with applications ranging from the chemical and medtech industries to consumer products such as pans, textiles, firefighting foams, and chain lubricants. As early as 2020, the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was banned in the EU and the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has also been significantly restricted. These requirements have already entered into force in the EU and have been incorporated into TÜV SÜD’s testing services. Additional restrictions have been implemented for C9-C14-PFCAs and PFHxS. Some of the regulatory requirements concerning PFAS are defined in the EU Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), while others are covered in the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation (POP), highlighting both the dimension and toxicological significance of the already regulated PFAS.

The regulatory requirements governing PFAS are increasing worldwide. In parallel, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a strategic roadmap for reducing PFAS, which prioritizes research, contaminant removal, and usage restrictions. Similar actions are being implemented in Asia, North America, and Europe, affecting numerous sectors including the electronics, medical, and food industries. The currently debated EU-wide restriction of all PFAS by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is in the process of being finalized, building on the PFAS limits defined in the REACH and POP regulations.

Dr. Hedwig Strohalm, Department Manager Customer Service Chemicals at TÜV SÜD points out: “The increasing numbers of regulations such as the planned EU-wide PFAS restriction present companies with a challenge, while also offering them the opportunity to make their processes more sustainable. Offering our expertise, we help our customers to navigate this transformation safely.”

Challenges faced by companies
PFAS are widely used in products such as electronic components, medical devices, packaging materials, and textiles. Due to their persistence in the environment and their potential health impacts, companies are increasingly under pressure to review their supply chains and find alternative materials. This applies in particular to the identification of PFAS-containing materials in complex products, often as coatings or insulation materials.

Integrated PFAS testing
TÜV SÜD offers a comprehensive range of testing, supporting companies in managing PFAS-related challenges:

• Chemical testing: Applying innovative test methods such as GC-MS, GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analyses, TÜV SÜD identifies PFAS in materials, products, and environmental samples. These tests cover a wide range of PFAS compounds, among them PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and their derivatives.
• Testing across the supply chain: TÜV SÜD can perform chemical testing across the entire supply chain to uncover potential sources of contamination and develop strategies for minimizing PFAS in production processes.
• Training: In addition to testing, TÜV SÜD offers bespoke training on regulatory requirements including the EU REACH and EU POP regulations and U.S. federal regulations. TÜV SÜD also supports customers in adapting to current and future regulations.
• Sustainability strategy: TÜV SÜD supports companies in replacing PFAS with environmentally-friendly alternatives and obtaining the relevant certifications for their products. By doing so, TÜV SÜD helps companies to comply with regulatory requirements while strengthening their ecological accountability.

Dr. Hedwig Strohalm emphasizes, “Our goal is to help companies comply with regulatory requirements and support them proactively in their development of sustainable innovations.” Drawing on a global network of ultramodern laboratories and an experienced interdisciplinary team of chemists and engineers, TÜV SÜD can offer industry-specific solutions for every market. The interdisciplinary approach covers both technical and strategic aspects, enabling TÜV SÜD to guide its customers effectively through the regulatory transformation.

For more information on PFAS testing and the services of TÜV SÜD, go to:

• Everything you need to know about PFAS | TÜV SÜD
• PFAS Testing | TÜV SÜD